Daily Riyadh-Dhaka flights open a new chapter in Saudi-Bangladesh connectivity
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has launched daily direct flights between Riyadh and Dhaka, marking its entry into the Bangladeshi aviation market and further strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh.
The new service commenced on August 7, with the inaugural flight departing King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 9:20pm and arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka the following morning.
The launch makes Dhaka the ninth official destination in Riyadh Air’s expanding network since the airline began operations on June 10, 2026.
The daily service is being operated with Riyadh Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering premium seating, advanced in-flight entertainment and Saudi-inspired hospitality.
The new route connects two major commercial centres and responds to strong demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data cited by Riyadh Air, Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia was the ninth-largest country-pair passenger market serving the Middle East in the first quarter of 2026.
The strong travel demand is underpinned by longstanding relations between the two countries, including trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchanges and religious travel. Bilateral cooperation is also expanding in areas such as energy, logistics, agriculture, technology and infrastructure.
The new service is expected to provide greater convenience for Bangladeshi passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia for business, leisure, Umrah and Hajj, while offering Saudi travellers direct access to Bangladesh.
As Bangladesh’s capital and principal commercial centre, Dhaka is an important gateway to the country’s globally significant apparel and textile industries, as well as its cultural heritage, arts and tourism destinations.
The service will operate daily in both directions, while Riyadh will also serve as a connecting hub for passengers travelling onward to other destinations across Riyadh Air’s network, including Jeddah.
Riyadh Air said tickets for the new route are available through its mobile application, official website and travel partners, with schedules subject to change.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers four cabin categories—Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
Passengers will have access to ergonomic seating, enhanced privacy and storage, advanced in-flight entertainment powered by Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova system, mobile-focused connectivity and wireless audio.
The onboard experience also includes enhanced dining, Saudi-made Kayanee amenities, specially designed Disney kits for children and a five-sense wellness programme aimed at helping passengers arrive refreshed.
Passengers can also join Riyadh Air’s Sfeer loyalty programme to access exclusive benefits and rewards.
Members will receive a Best Offer Guarantee, points that do not expire and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. Early members will also have the opportunity to join The Founders Club, which provides priority access to bookings on new routes and other benefits.
The name Sfeer combines the Arabic word associated with an ambassador with the English word “sphere,” reflecting Riyadh Air’s aim of promoting Saudi hospitality while building a global community of travellers.
The launch of daily Riyadh-Dhaka flights marks a new development in the growing connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh and is expected to facilitate greater movement of people while supporting business, tourism, investment and religious travel between the two countries.
